2017 SESSION

SB 908 Marijuana; decriminalization of simple marijuana possession.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Marijuana; decriminalization of simple marijuana
possession. Decriminalizes marijuana possession and provides a
civil penalty of no more than $250 for a first violation and $1,000
for a second or subsequent violation. Under current law, a first offense
is punishable by a maximum fine of $500 and a maximum 30-day jail
sentence, and subsequent offenses are a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill
creates a rebuttable presumption that a person who possesses no more
than one-half ounce of marijuana possesses it for personal use and
provides that the existing suspended sentence and substance abuse
screening provisions apply only to criminal violations or to civil
violations by a minor. The bill decreases the penalty for distribution
or possession with intent to sell more than one-half but not more
than five pounds of marijuana from a Class 5 felony to a Class 6 felony.